A Day in the
Life of a
Circuit Rider
w
Jeff LaBelle, Technical Assistance Director,
Wisconsin Rural Water Association
What was your first job?
My first job was helping local farmers
do field work and bale hay after doing
these things at home. And, my first job
with a real paycheck was working for Bush
Brothers Canning Co., canning peas and
Bush's Best Baked Beans. I worked nights
as a canning machine operator, and did this
job for two summers, which paid for my
schooling at the local technical college.
What's the most
challenging job you've
ever undertaken as a
Circuit Rider?
A few years ago, Wisconsin had
major flooding throughout the lower half
of the state, causing many problems
among the water systems. My job as
technical assistance director also places
me in charge of emergency response for
WRWA. This was extremely challenging
because I don't like to sit on the sidelines
What does your typical day
as a Circuit Rider entail?
As technical assistance director/
circuit rider, I usually start the day making
contacts with water system operations
specialists, answering emails and phone
messages between contacts, another
contact with system operations specialists
in the afternoon, then go home or to motel
to return more messages. Contacts may
include leak detection, line tracing, filters/
filtration, water towers, wells, SCADA,
hydrants regulations, financials, or any
number of other things. The majority of
my contacts with water system operations
specialists are request-driven. I'm also
contacted by other WRWA staff with
questions and inquiries throughout the day.
What's your favorite
thing about being a
Circuit Rider?
The favorite thing about being a Circuit
Rider is the people I meet and work with.
I cannot say this enough: I get to work
with the most humble, sincere, dedicated,
down-to-earth people on the planet. I get
to offer them training, technical assistance
and a helping hand. They give back to me
in the opportunity to learn from them and
make lifelong friendships.
RURAL WATER
35

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